Arsenal are seemingly accepting the fact that Mikel Arteta’s number one striker target could be off limits this summer.
Ideally Arteta would like to bring Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak to Arsenal, but the prospect of that happening is looking increasingly unlikely.
Newcastle are determined to keep Isak and they should be able to if they qualify for the Champions League – which is looking likely if they continue their impressive form.
As a result, Arsenal are looking at a long list of strikers and new sporting director Andrea Berta has been very keen to leave no stone unturned in pursuit of a new number nine.
And whilst Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres is thought to be a favourite of Berta’s, there’s also long-standing admiration for Benjamin Sesko at the Emirates.
Arsenal tried to buy Sesko from RB Leipzig last summer, only to be unsuccessful in their attempts.
Benjamin Sesko has changed his mind about joining Arsenal
Unfortunately for Arteta, Sesko rejected Arsenal in favour of continuing his development in the Bundesliga.
However, according to Give Me Sport, Sesko has now changed his stance and would be interested in joining Arsenal in a few months’ time.
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21-year-old Sesko has scored 19 goals in 39 appearances in all competitions for Leipzig this season.
However, those goals might not be enough to help an underperforming Leipzig side secure Champions League football – a club who recently sacked their manager, Marco Rose.
And according to the report mentioned, Sesko has now given indications that he is ready to start a fresh challenge having seen his side drop out of the Champions League places.
The Slovenian is therefore now keen to join Arsenal this summer, who remain the striker’s most likely destination should he make a move.
Benjamin Sesko’s release clause
In terms of comparing Sesko to the likes of Isak, the Leipzig striker would be available at a much lower price, perhaps allowing the Gunners more wriggle room elsewhere.
Sesko has a £58m release clause in the new contract that he signed after deciding against joining Arsenal last summer.
And considering that Berta has spoken to Nico Williams ahead of the summer too, it could be a very expensive off-season in north London.
Arsenal also want Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, even if they might end up being caught up in a transfer battle with Real Madrid.
Of course, Gyokeres might also be available for a similar price to Sesko, who would undoubtedly be better prepared to make an immediate impact at Arsenal.
However, the Sweden international might not have the potential sell-on value that Sesko could, his younger counterpart who might have a higher ceiling.